Summer is only a couple of weeks away and now is the time to make sure you’ve got that perfect fit to lay out by the pool, beachside or water park if that’s your thing. Here are a few amazing black swimwear designers you should definitely check when crafting your looks for summer 2K15:
Zubaida Zang
I came across Zubaida’s designs a couple of weeks ago on tumblr and was literally blown away. The Canadian-Nigerian designer has crafted a signature swimwear line that will pop in any crowd. That 90s-style copper one-piece has me checking for the next flight out to Aruba.
Andrea Iyamah
Another Canadian-Nigerian designer to look out for is Andrea Iyamah. I’ve followed Iyamah’s designs for a few years now since first discovering her 2013 swim lookbook on the net (tumblr- yes, I spend loads of time there). This line is a favorite of Angela Simmons.
Nakimuli
Nakimuli is a line that brings eclectic prints and styles front and center. Chances are you might have heard of this brand before or at least seen their super cool lookbooks. Nakimuli is the brainchild of Brooklyn designer, Tennille McMillan.
Monif C.
Monif C is THE brand to turn to for contemporary ready-to-wear plus-size clothing. Her Marilyn Convertible dress has the game on lock. Now, Monif C. is quickly becoming the brand to watch for swimwear. The beauty and brains behind the whole line is founder and CEO, Monif Clarke.
Rue 107
Rue 107 is another brand that caters to curves without sacrificing the effortlessly chic beach look. From cute cheeky patterns to classic vintage-inspired cuts, their swimwear line has it all. Founded by Haitian-born New Yorker, Marie-Jean Baptiste.
Kamokini
Kamokini was founded by Nigerian designer Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo after she couldn’t find stylish bikinis at high street prices. With the brightly colored Kamokini line, you are guaranteed to stand out.
Bantu
Bantu is heralded as Africa’s original surf and beachwear brand. The Ethiopian brand is headed by Yodit Eklund. Their sustainable and fair business model has allowed many for local African vendors to have their creations in stores such as J.Crew, Barney’s and Saks. Their prints are always on trend and this is definitely a brand to splurge on if you have the extra coin.
Have you heard of any of these swimwear lines before? Are there any other black swimwear designers we should check for? Which of these designs would you try?
26 Responses
Hi , guys !
Interesting ……good suggestions.Well I found this underwear brand – Tiara Gaiano.
Rue107 amazing selection
It’s hot girl. Expensive or not, if it looks good on you then keep it. I know underwears and bras that cost more than $15 to $24 dollars. Is that insane? Anyways, I want one for free, I’ll reimburse you. Just kidding.
These are sexy! Unfortunately, not all of them are available for delivery to the UK nor do they have many sizes left – if anyone sees plus sized bikini tops from the Rue107 range on eBay, do let me know
Nice with the exception of the watermelon bikini. WTF were they thinking with that?
i actually like it. it’s cheeky.
i wish it were more like a string bikini.
Also try Winifred.Taylor the designer is Caribbean Canadian (she did an interview with Islandmuse.ca). Her swimwear uses art for prints/inspiration and offers 2 price points.
Either way, most of these designers are crating these quality pieces, yes they are expensive, but well worth it.
I literally ordered a swimsuit online hours before I read this article. Luckily my friend had suggested Rue107 to me and that is where I made my purchase. I am glad to see these other designers so I can support them in the future as well. Nothing beats items designed with our aesthetic in mind.
I would LOVE to support these companies, especially because they’re black owned, but holy crap the prices are insane. Makes it hard to support black business when other companies sell swimsuites for way less. Help us help you black business
The other companies only sell for less because they exploit brown people worldwide. Tons of black people are willing to spend WAAAY too much for name brand stuff on their purses and shoes, but when a Black person asks for similar pricing for their quality, handmade stuff (which takes time and effort) then suddenly it’s too much. That’s mind boggling. I’m willing to spend extra to keep it in the community.
Most swimwear material used for fashion bathing suits are not good quality anyways. I cannot rationalize spending over 100 dollars on a bathing suit when I can get something of the same quality for less than 20. There is no way spandex should cost that much, Black-owned or not.
then don’t spend the money.
Again, HANDMADE is different from MACHINE made by exploited people worldwide. Often the cheaper prices you see in places like Target, Old Navy, etc are the product of underpaid, abused, helpless black and brown people worldwide. When you pay the full price (which includes NOT ONLY material, but also TIME and the EXPERIENCE of the creator) you end up paying MORE. This is why a lot of start up boutiques and handmade creations are MORE expensive. It has nothing to do with label (like Coach or MK or Vuitton), and nothing to do with jipping you. It has to do with paying artisans fairly for their time, effort, and meticulous work. If you want to make it yourself you can, but that is simply transferring the labor, which is the part you want to negate from the equation.
This combined with new businesses needing to make money, means that sometimes it’s better to pay a little more to support the black communities ventures, than it is to pay less to keep the money out of our community, just because you want clothes made by an exploited human somewhere in Malaysia or Cambodia, etc.
(Other user) I can agree with all this, but I simply can not pay this much for a bathing suit. I’d love to support these businesses, the pieces are dope, but not all of us have the means to buy even if we wanted to. Black owned or not. I’d love to support, but the way my bank account is set up :/
why do black people balk at black-owned businesses who charge the same prices as comparable companies for their goods? a small white owned company like these will more than likely sell the suits for the same price or higher.
the only way they’d be cheaper is if they were actually a large company and had economies of scale and so could afford to charge less and still make money.
it also depends on the fabric being used, wear the manufacturing is being done, and the print.
but please stop asking black companies to make less expensive stuff just because you cant or won’t buy it. personally, i don’t know if i’d have a business dedicated to black people because i know black people don’t value anything other blacks create and will not pay for it.
of course you’d complain like crazy if the product turned out to be cheap.
We buy black cause we wanna keep the money in the family not in tge families of police officers who like to us for fun and get off cause their uncles boyfriend is the judge…. point blank. that extra stuff you’re talking is irrelevant, you bout to lose alot of money from us but its okay you have sooo many other races who might buy from you
I thought all the designs were hideous, and the price is way too much.
Man, its a good thing no one cares huh.
You cared enough to reply. Go figure.
Yes, you should definitely look at http://www.risquedukes.com. Her swimwear is beautiful!
looks cheap.
Zubaida zang!
Loving it! and wowzers these women are stunning..
Beautiful swimsuits, I’ve gotta get myself one someday.
I was motivated to purchase until I saw the prices. They’re beautiful designs, but outside of my swimwear budget. I wish these businesses luck either way.
So glad this article exists!! I was in dire need of a bathing suit! Will definitely be supporting!